Need Help? Call FISH
360-636-1100
Free food 9 a.m. to noon
Other needs: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
FISH is an all-volunteer
nonprofit that provides
immediate assistance
to thousands annually
Need Help? Call FISH
360-636-1100
Free food 9 a.m. to noon
Other needs: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
FISH is an all-volunteer
nonprofit that provides
immediate assistance
to thousands annually
A morning telephone volunteer takes information from people calling for food
Ever wonder how you can help others without leaving your home?
FISH of Cowlitz County telephone volunteers have been doing that since 1971. They answer calls from people requesting food or help with a host of other necessities callers can’t afford.
Volunteers work three-hour shifts once or twice a month. The only equipment necessary is a cell phone, Wi-Fi and a computer. FISH loans laptops to volunteers who do not have them. Please consider giving your time to help others in need.
We will train you and provide a handbook with step-by-step procedures.
Morning Telephone Volunteer
From 9 a.m. to noon weekdays a volunteer answers calls from people needing food. He or she types the name of each caller and the number of seniors, adults and children in the household on a spreadsheet. Several times each morning the volunteer emails the list of callers to the church so its volunteers can prepare orders, which typically range from 25 to 55 households. The final task is editing the list, which is imported into a database that provides valuable statistics.
Afternoon Telephone Volunteer
Weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. a volunteer helps people with emergency needs that they cannot afford. Every request a volunteer approves requires an outgoing phone call to fill a prescription, authorize payment of a water or PUD bill, or order items such as work boots, propane, auto parts and birth certificates. Calls for help can range from two or three to 25 or more a day. The task includes follow up calls to verify costs and type data on a spreadsheet listing all approved transactions. It is used to verify bills.
Volunteering for FISH is one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve been involved in since retirement and from the comfort of my own home! Helping people over the phone is a wonderful opportunity to give to people who are at risk in our community.
Diana, PMV since 2009
I’ve enjoyed being a part of a caring group of people serving our neighbors in their time of need. As a phone volunteer, I appreciate the convenience of being able to serve from home (or from anywhere with Wi-Fi and my laptop). Providing hope and a sense of relief to uncertain first-time callers is especially rewarding.
Doug, AMV since 2020
I volunteer for FISH because I believe in our mission to provide compassionate, no-questions-asked assistance to those in need. Helping neighbors fosters community strength and hope. It’s rewarding to contribute time and effort, knowing it directly impacts lives, ensuring families have meals and support during tough times.
Mike, AMV since 2018
When a person calls and says that this is their first time asking for help, I can hear their trepidation. Helping put them at ease and giving them information is easy to do, but it is huge for them. It is nice to know that something so easy for me to do can be a real help for someone else.
Debbie, AMV since 2013
Volunteering for FISH gives me a multitude of benefits being a helping hand for many individuals suffering an incident of bad luck; learning about and connecting to my community; and working with other wonderful, selfless volunteers. And I get to do it all from my home 17 miles up the Kalama River Road.
Laurel, PMV since 2014
Volunteering with FISH allows me to activate my faith while making a real difference in the lives of my neighbors in need.
Robert, PMV since 2014
Being a volunteer has enriched my life and given me a more Christ-like perspective on my responsibility to bless all God’s children. I particularly like how FISH helps people through financial crises in ways that increase their ability to solve their own problems. The vast majority of those I serve are not looking for handout, but for ways to become more self-sufficient.
Steve, PMV since 2012
I find fulfillment listening to people’s stories about what has led them to FISH and encouraging them by offering resources, prayers or a just kind words. I choose to answer phones at churches because it’s rewarding to be with a team that shows kindness, hope and the love of God to people who are struggling.
Cindy, AMV since 2021
Every weekday, one of our 18 partner churches opens its doors to provide food to families in need. Volunteers from the community are always welcome. Typical tasks include:
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy or want to learn more about, please email FISH with the “Contact us” link below. We’d love to have you join us in this work.